Recent content by Bryanbdp

I would suggest mach4 which works with ethernet and latest windows. Gecko drivers are very highly regarded and not that expensive, don't buy more driver than you need... smoothstepper a good way to go. Also, there are some affordable "closed loop" steppers that can detect missed steps...

Sometimes I use duct tape. I originally saw people use it to help remove fiberglass dust & splinters. Stick it on, peel it off... especially if nothing else is handy.

Thanks to all for their input! I was able to work one remnant out by loosening it with a punch and small screwdrivers. The other one I used a slightly larger carbide bit as Naiveambition recommended. Slow going but it did grind away the bit. I had made a tapping guide out of 3/8" thick steel, so...

Since we're on the subject, here's the manual I have for the lathe. A little blurry, but helpful. Thanks, Bryan

Wow, some great information. I switched my machine to 220 when I got it. You have to wire the leads as shown on the motor, BUT, you also have to rewire the transformer in the control box. Simple to do, you just change the two power leads to the transformer to the 220v marked input screws. That's...

That is a nice mod. I'll have to do that. Maybe I can even mount a new one that's not under the DRO! Are there any adjustments that you can make to snug up the saddle? Thanks, Bryan

That clamp has a hex head, so I can put a wrench on it... I think it would have made a difference in the cut. Now I have to see if there are gibbs or other adjustments on the carriage, I feel it could be snugger...

I took a few photos of my carriage assembly. I found a hex headed bolt under the DRO scale I never noticed before. It's loose and wiggly, but it does seem to tighten down and lock the carriage in the X direction. Still can't find a lock for the cross slide, it may be under the scale as well...

Hi. Yes, I'm running it on 220v. The wiring diagram is on the motor label. I'll attach it here. I don't know if you have the same motor or not, but here's the label. NOTE: If you rewire the motor for 220v, you also have to adjust the connections to the transformer in the control box. Change...

I think tooling was the issue. I played around with bits and some worked much better than others. It is hard to get a really uniform cut in this material. Surface cuts are easier than face cuts. Thanks to all, Bryan

Thank you for all the replies. I am starting to think it is the material itself, and the wrong type of cutter. It is 660 bronze, and I guess it has a tendency to pull the bit into the part. That does seem to be what's happening. It loads up, then releases. I'm going to try a 0 rake tool, and see...

I have an Enco lathe that is giving me a weird wavy pattern when I face a piece of bronze bushing stock. I have tried different spindle speeds, feed speeds and cutters. It almost seems like the pattern follows the turning of the cross screw, even though I have snugged up the gibbs tight and...

Does anyone sell miniature annular cutters or "hollow" drill bits, that I could drill around the bit to remove it?

I have been working on the crankcase for a 9 cylinder radial engine. I turned the major contours on a lathe, then moved over to my new (to me) Syil X4 CNC mill. I have had some issues with the posted Gcode from Mastercam. It adds some moves at the beginning and end of my tool paths, I have to...